New Quay construction to bring youth jobs hope

David Walker

With the newly named Quay Zone due to open in March 2017 council leader Bill McIntosh said this week the development will help regenerate the economy in Girvan and South Carrick.

South Carrick Community Leisure chairman Andrew Sinclair said the new pool and associated facilities will transform lives in Carrick.

It is also hoped that the construction phase of the project will open up jobs and opportunities for young people in the area.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “Today is a truly historic occasion as we embark on a journey that will not only help regenerate the Girvan and South Carrick area and economy, but will have a very real and positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing and quality of life.

“The Council has worked closely with South Carrick Community Leisure to ensure that our people and communities have had their say every step of the way, and there’s no doubt they have been a real driving force in getting us to where we are today.

“I know that passion and commitment will continue as SCCL take up the operational reins and I hope they get the buy-in and support they need from the local community to make sure the Quay Zone is a great success.

“I’m very proud of what the Council and community have achieved, working in partnership. There’s no doubt we are making a difference and making lives better and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the Quay Zone take shape at Girvan Harbour.”

Andrew Sinclair, Chair of SCCL, added: “This is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting days Girvan and South Carrick has seen in a very long time and I want to thank everyone who has supported us as we worked with the Council to bring our vision for quality leisure facilities to life.

“I also want to thank everyone who took the time to enter our naming competition and let us know just how much interest there was in local communities about what we were doing. We were overwhelmed by the response and it was very difficult to choose between the suggestions; however, Robert’s idea really stood out and picked up on all the key elements we wanted it to.

“It’s almost impossible to imagine just how much The Quay Zone will transform lives right across Girvan and South Carrick and whether you’re an intense athlete, keep fit regularly, or just want to have fun or somewhere to get together, we’ll have something to offer everyone when we open our doors in 14 months’ time.

“It’s been a long, hard slog and we know there’s more hard work to come as we do everything we can to make sure the Quay Zone is a success. For today, however, we can all be very proud and we can say – we did it!”

Minister for Housing and Welfare, Margaret Burgess MSP, said: “I’m delighted to mark the start of construction of the new Girvan and South Carrick Community Leisure Centre which will transform this vacant site into a fantastic community hub and help improve people’s health and wellbeing.

“This £250,000 investment through the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund will also support the creation of new jobs and open up training opportunities for young people.

“By working in partnership with local government, this fund is providing a catalyst to the successful delivery of regeneration projects across Scotland.

“Investment in local projects like this, which place communities at their heart, is absolutely key to tackling inequalities in disadvantaged areas. It is this approach which is at the core of Scotland’s economic strategy to stimulate economic growth and create a fairer Scotland.”

Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of development partner hub South West, said: “This is an exciting new development for Girvan and South Carrick, and hub South West are delighted to be a part of it.

“The Quay Zone will provide a fantastic, modern environment for the community to enjoy and will be visited by many generations to come.

“We are proud that local people benefit from the projects we are involved in, and we look forward to working with South Ayrshire Council, Morrison Construction and contractors from the surrounding area to deliver this excellent community facility.”

Morrison Construction Ltd has been appointed as the design and build contractor for the project through hub South West, which was set up by the Scottish Futures Trust to deliver major public sector building projects.